Washing-machine



N. PETERS, PHOYo-LITMDGRAPHER WASHINGTON n C OFICE.

ARTHUR GRAY, OF NAPLES, MAINE.

-WASI-IING-IVIAGI-IINE.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 24,116, dated May 24.', 1859.

I To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, ARTHUR GRAY, of Naples, in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine, have invented an Improved Washing-Machine; and I do hereby declare that the same is fully described and represented in the following specification and the* accompanying drawings, of which- Figure l, is a top view; Fig. 2, a front elevation; Fig. 3, a longitudinal section, and Fig. 4, a transverse section.

In the said drawings, A, represents an elongated tub or reservoir, provided with a series of Huted rollers, B, B, B, such series being arranged at or near to its middle part and just above its' bottom as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In connection with the said series of rollers, a fluted presser or bucking board, C, is employed, it being affixed to a bent lever, D, which is connected with one side of the reservoir, A, by means of a universal joint, E, orso that the said bucking board, C, may not only be moved in vertical direction with the lever as the latter is turned upward or downward, but also be moved in horizontal direction with the said lever. Such universal joint, E, is composed of a swivel or piece of metal, a, having` the lever hinged or jointed to it and so as to be capable of being turned vertically ona fulcrum, Z), the piece of metal being applied to a vertical spindle, c, in such manner as to enable it to be turned horizontally thereon. The said spindle plays freely in a vertical direction within a bearing, d, and a thimble or socket piece, e. In this latter, there is a helical spring, f, against which the spindle rests, such spindle being provided with a shoulder, g, for the universal joint piece, E, to bear against. The under surface or side of-the bucking board, C, is luted horizontally. ,j

In using the machine so constructed, an

attendant grasps the handle, i, of the lever, D, in one hand and raises the lever and the bucking board with it so-as to enablethe clothes to be washed, to be laid upon the series of iute'd rollers, t-he tub being supposed to be provided with water or suds or other suitable washing liquid. After having deposited the clothes upon the rollers, he should force the bucking board downward upon them and vibrate it to and fro over the rollers. Occasionally, while doing this or at other times, when desirablehe may use the bucking board, in the manner of a beater by moving it upward and downward smartly upon the clothes, all of which will contribute to cleanse them to excellent advantage.

By the employment of a sprino` in connection with the universal joint as above set forth) the bucking board is rendered capable of accommodating itself to the mass of clothing, and besides such spring greatly relieves the hand and arm of the operator from the effects of percussion or downward blows while the bucking board is being moved up and down and with respect to the clothes.

A washing machine of the above kind is not only simple in construction and unique in its operation but is of much utility and can be constructed at a very little cost.

I'claim- The improved washing machine as made "with a set of tluted rollers and a fluted presser or bucking board, arranged, constructed and applied to the reservoir substantially as described, in order to enable the clothes to be both rolled and beaten as specified, during the operation of washing the same.

ARTHUR GRAY.

Witnesses:

GEORGE JACKSON, FREELoN WALKER. 

